The theme for the International Booker Prize 2026, supported by Bukhman Philanthropies, is ‘Fiction beyond borders’. We’re celebrating the ways in which translated fiction opens us up to different experiences and perspectives, creating connections across continents. Our ambition is to unite readers through a shared love of great fiction, and we believe independent bookshops are at the heart of making that possible.  

We are running a competition for one independent bookshop based in the UK or Ireland to win two tickets for their booksellers to attend the International Booker Prize 2026 ceremony.  

All booksellers have to do to take part is put together an original and creative display using our printed International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist POS materials, and featuring some or all of the shortlisted books.  

The full instructions and T&Cs for taking part in the International Booker Prize 2026 independent bookshop POS competition are detailed below.

• The competition is open to booksellers who work at an independent bookshop in the UK or Ireland, who have permission to enter on behalf of their bookshop. 
   
• Booksellers must sign up to receive the International Booker Prize 2026 shortlist POS printed materials via the form by 5pm GMT on Wednesday, 24 March 2026 to be considered. 
   
• They should receive the POS materials in the post at their bookshop by Tuesday, 7 April 2026.
   
• They must then take a photo of the POS materials displayed in their bookshop with some or all of the shortlisted books and email the photo to [email protected] by 5pm BST on Sunday, 19 April 2026. Where entrants have social media accounts, we’d also encourage them to upload their display photos on either Instagram or Facebook tagging @TheBookerPrizes and #BookerPrizeIndies.    
   
• The Booker Prize Foundation team will select one UK or Ireland-based independent bookshop and their bookseller representative as their winner, who in their opinion has used their POS materials to create a particularly creative and original display. 
    
• The successful bookseller will be notified by email by the Booker Prize Foundation team no later than 5pm BST on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. They must promptly confirm they are happy to accept the prize, provide the names and individual contact details of the two guests who will be attending the ceremony, and liaise with the Booker Prize Foundation team around travel and accommodation arrangements. If any changes are required to the two guests attending the ceremony, they must be communicated to the Booker Prize Foundation at least one week before the ceremony and changes are not guaranteed.  
   
• If we have not received this confirmation and information within 48 hours of us notifying our winners, we will have no obligation to deliver the prize and at our sole discretion, we may select an alternative bookseller to receive the prize concerned or simply decide not to give it.  

The competition is governed by our general rules for competitions, available here, but the following specifics also apply (and take precedence should there be any contradiction or ambiguity).  

By entering the competition entrants warrant that all information submitted by them is true, current, and complete. Entrants also warrant that they are the copyright owners of any copyrighted works submitted, for example photographs, and the Booker Prize Foundation’s use of such works will not infringe the rights of any third party. 

Winners are responsible for any taxes or duties they may have to pay in order to take receipt of their prize.  

No responsibility can be accepted for prizes that are delayed or lost. We are not responsible for any damage to the prize in the course of delivery; while we will consider a request for a replacement (if available) if the prize arrives in a seriously damaged state, this is solely in our discretion depending on the particular circumstances. Any damage to or loss of the prize must be reported immediately by email to [email protected]

The winner will receive two tickets to the International Booker Prize 2026 ceremony and dinner held at approx. 7pm on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at Tate Modern in London; one overnight stay for two guests on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 in up to two standard rooms at a minimum 3* hotel in London of the Booker Prize Foundation’s choice; and up to a total of £300 of travel expenses (incurred to attend the ceremony) paid on the email of receipts to [email protected]. Receipts must be received within one month of the ceremony. Attendees of the International Booker Prize 2026 ceremony and guests at the hotel must be aged 18 or over. No additional expenses incurred during the trip will be paid. The winner must be available to travel on the date specified.  

We may in due course and at our sole discretion publicise the names of the winner and their location on our website and social media channels and by entering the competition an entrant agrees to this publicity should they be a prize-winner.    

These terms and conditions are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of England & Wales, and the courts of England & Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction in determining any question or issue in relation to them.    

The Booker Prize Foundation may cancel or amend any competition, competition information, or these terms and conditions without prior notice. Any changes will be posted either within the competition information or these terms and conditions.